Paula Gooder

Although Easter is the most significant event in the Christian year, we rarely take time to explore what it means in detail. So much attention is given to Lent, yet the theology of resurrection is central not only to what we believe about God and Jesus, but to our understanding of ourselves. Following the pattern of her Advent book, "The Meaning is in the Waiting", Paula Gooder leads us on a biblical exploration of the resurrection accounts in each of the Gospels and in Paul's writings, as well as the account of the Ascension and coming of the Spirit at Pentecost in Acts. Arranged for daily reading through the seven weeks of Eastertide, "This Risen Existence" opens with an extended reflection on ancient and contemporary understandings of resurrection. Subsequent chapters lead us on an exciting journey of discovery through the New Testament narratives in a quest to discover what resurrection tells us about life after death, the end times and what it actually means to be a Christian.

"Advent is about learning to love the waiting..." Waiting is the primary lesson of Advent, says Paula Gooder. In the company of the biblical characters with whom the candles on the Advent wreath are traditionally associated, she helps us to discover very different kinds of waiting: * Abraham and Sarah--who waited a lifetime for the fulfillment of God's promises.* The Hebrew prophets--who waited for God's intervention, both longed for and feared.* John the Baptist--whose ministry marked the end of one era and anticipated the new.* Mary--whose life was shaped by waiting and by events beyond her control. "The Meaning Is in the Waiting" is arranged for daily reading in the hectic run-up to Christmas. This thoughtful book will enable you to grow more fully into a way of being that is expectant rather than urgent, more focused on God's presence right now than on some imagined future. You will venture on this journey in companionship with the God who waits with us.

When faced with times of crisis or challenge, many people turn to self-help for support. But what about Christians - how can we find strength not merely in self-help but in God's help? A Way through the Wilderness is a five-session course which explores God's promise to comfort his people as they struggle through life's wildernesses. With extensive guidance for leaders as well as for group members, this is an inspiring choice for house, cell and Lent groups.

Searching For Meaning introduces readers to the different methods used to interpret the New Testament. Top scholars give a short definition of a particular criticism and then Paula Gooder gives a practical example to demonstrate how that criticism can be applied to a biblical text. A very broad range of methods are introduced, from traditional criticisms such as source criticism and historical criticism tot he more modern methods such as feminist criticism and liberation criticism. Readers will understand how different meanings and emphases can be drawn out from a text depending upon the method of interpretation chosen. They will also be given the skills to start analysing and examining texts for themselves in a meaningful and insightful way.

In Chapter 1 Paula Gooder discusses the problems of interpreting this text and looks at the major debates of its past interpreters. The most popular modern approach is to compare it with other texts of ascent in the Judaeo-Christian tradition, yet even a brief examination of these texts indicate that differences are present. In the remainder of the book Gooder evaluates the extent and significance of these differences. Part One consists of a detailed consideration of a range of texts which superficially seem closest to 2 Corinthians 12. Chapter 2 presents a history of scholarship on heavenly ascent. Chapters 3 to 8 each examine a text of ascent from a different period and background in the Judaeo-Christian tradition. Chapter 9 draws out the points of similarity between these texts. Part Two considers the text of 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 in the light of the findings of Part One. In the detailed examination of the Pauline ascent in chapter 10, the extent of the differences between this text and the texts examined in Part One becomes clear. Chapter 11 proposes a new interpretation of the account of ascent, arguing that it reports a failed ascent into heaven. The chapter shows that this interpretation makes sense not only of 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 itself but also of chapters 10-13 which surround it. The account is one more example of weakness from the apostle in which he proves that weakness, not strength, is the sign of a true apostle.

The Pentateuch (or the Torah) consists of the first five books of the Bible and is a foundational scripture for millions of people, both Jews and Christians. This book addresses the need for a clear and accessible introduction for those beginning Bible study. It presents and analyses key themes such as creation and the flood, exodus and liberation, covenant and land, and law and faith. These are explored in their ancient context and from the standpoint of contemporary concerns such as liberation theology, gender issues and ecology. Paula Gooder is Tutor is Biblical Studies at The Queen's Foundation, Birmingham and a freelance writer and lecturer.

The first guide to New Testament Greek to assume no prior knowledge and prioritise quick and effective methods of learning. Contains useful pedagogical features such as Q & A exercises, a glossary of English grammatical terms and a glossary of key Greek vocabulary. This book also features a regularly updated companion web-site with exercises and revision notes - access is free for all who purchase the book. This practical textbook for undergraduate students and serving ministers is specifically designed to teach the reader about New Testament Greek, and to enrich the readers understanding of Scripture. Exploring New Testament Greek aims to cultivate a 'feel' for the Greek language and give insight into some central issues in New Testament study without a heavy investment of time and energy. Its priorities are accessibility and relevance for Bible study: it is set out in ten short chapters that encourage learning through a variety of practical exercises, and concentrates on those aspects of the language that lead directly to increased understanding of the text. Rather than overwhelming the student with tables of grammar and vocabulary, the book directs students in the use of free websites, interlinear translations and other readily-available language tools as a means of making a little knowledge go a long way. Introduction 1. Letters and Words 2. Finding Your Way Around a Sentence 3. Understanding How Greek Words Work 4. Introduction to Nouns and their Endings 5. More Noun Endings and More Pronouns 6. Words that Describe 7. Simple Verbs 8. Tenses 9. Voice: Active, Passive and Middle 10. Participles and the Articular Infinitive Epilogue Checklist of Grammatical Words used in this Course Appendix: Useful tables Lexicon of Greek words. About the authors: Dr Peter Kevern is a theologian and educationalist, currently Director of Studies at the Queen's Foundation, Birmingham. He has worked alongside SIL translators in Papua New Guinea, on a version of the New Testament in Siane-Lambau. Dr Paula Gooder is a lecturer at the Queens Foundation, Birmingham and is a freelance biblical lecturer and writer. She has extensive experience teaching both Greek and Hebrew at Higher education level.